Patricia “Pat” Holub, a beloved mother, mentor, artist and tireless advocate for the arts in Carson City, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025, at the age of 101, surrounded by family
Born in Fresno, California and raised in the heart of San Francisco, Pat dedicated her life to her family, her community and particularly to the arts. Pat and her husband Frank were married in Virginia City on Nevada Day, October 31, 1958, which at the time meant their anniversary would always be a state holiday and a day for celebration! She loved her childhood and young adult life growing up in San Francisco, but she left her heart in Carson City!! For more than 50 years she was a plein air artist in watercolor, oils and mixed media, her art chronicled much of
the local area’s natural beauty. Pat was one of the original founders of the Brewery Arts Center in Carson City. She served as a founding member of the Carson City Chapter of the Nevada Artist Association, shaping the confidence of many a fledgling potter and painter sharing her talent and giving classes, with patience in the belief that everyone carries within them an artistic ability just waiting to be nurtured.. Pat took lessons from many noted local artists and was herself a pillar in the community. Her more than 1,000 paintings of buildings and landscapes, done throughout the state over five decades, now have gained historical relevance, as they illustrate how those scenes have disappeared or changed over the years. Her commitment to the arts and its continued support within the community earned her statewide recognition, including the Nevada Artist of the Year Award in 2007 awarded by then Governor Jim Gibbons and the 2018 Woman of the Year for her commitment as a cultural benefactor, founding member of NAA and artist extraordinaire. The “Pat Holub Award” is awarded annually since its inception in 2016 by NAA during the Nevada Day Show in honor of the years of service and dedication Pat gave to the organization.
Pat was a lifelong republican and believed that every American should exercise their right to vote, she saw this as privilege and a duty as a citizen. She worked with her husband Frank at the polls during every election until he passed away in 2010. Pat was an emeritus member of the Reno Latimer Art Club, Carson City Historical Society, Mark Twain Garden Club, Carson City Leisure Hour Club and Chapter X of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. Whether she was planting roses in her garden or flowers at the Brewery Arts Center or raising funds for women’s education with her P.E.O. Chapter, her presence was felt—warm, witty, sometimes outspoken but always full of purpose.
Her legacy is one of compassion in action, a reminder that the greatest impact often begins with small acts of care repeated daily, always with a dose of laughter. Pat leaves behind a community forever shaped by her generosity, courage, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people. She never wanted to be “Dull and Boring” and felt the key to her longevity was “Going with the Flow”.
Pat leaves behind her two remaining children, Michael (Margaret) Tarpey and Terri Cox Srch (Bill Fagliano), four grandchildren, Michael Tarpey, Patrick (Jenell) Tarpey, Susan Srch, William (Gayle) Srch, and Timothy (Loretta) Srch, and Brian (Muffy) O’Donnell, seven great grandchildren, Kerri, Kristina and Teylar Tarpey, Mike and Scott Srch and Sean and Mac O’Donnell, one greatgreat grandson, Zachary Henderson, several nieces and nephews and countless friends.
She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Frank Holub, her son Thomas “T.P.” Tarpey, and her granddaughter, Jennifer Tarpey, her parents Nisbe and Harry Davidson, her sister Adele Smolenski.
A celebration of Pat’s life and legacy will be held on July 23, 2025, with a 10AM mass at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, 3000 N. Lompa Lane in Carson City, followed by a luncheon and final art show and sale of Pat’s paintings and personal art collection to be held at the Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King Street, Carson City, NV 89703. All proceeds will be donated to the Brewery Arts Center in her memory.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Teresa of Avila Catholic School Capital Campaign (www.stts.org/campaign) or to the Brewery Arts Center (https://breweryarts.org/donate) to continue the work Pat held so close to her heart.
Many thanks to Jose and Toa Chaidez at La Heilala Family Care for their exceptional devotion to Pat in her final years and to Bethany at Eden Hospice Care for her kind and compassionate care.